UE Opera Receives $32,400 Grant from William E. Schmidt Foundation

The University of Evansville (UE) Music Conservatory is delighted to announce that UE Opera has been awarded a generous $32,400 grant from the William E. Schmidt Foundation. This impactful grant will support both the Schmidt Opera Series and the Schmidt Opera Collaborative, advancing music education and community outreach in Evansville and the broader Tri-State region.

The Schmidt Opera Series, a key element of UE Opera’s on-campus productions, will receive vital funding to continue bringing high-quality opera performances to audiences UE. Additionally, the Schmidt Opera Collaborative will benefit from this grant, enabling outreach and education initiatives that engage and inspire residents across the region.

“We are profoundly grateful to the William E. Schmidt Foundation for their support of UE Opera,” said Dr. Alanna Keenan, Associate Professor of Music at UE. “This funding reaffirms our commitment to advancing music education and cultural enrichment and will allow us to provide students and community members with exceptional opportunities to experience the arts.”

Under the artistic direction of Dr. Keenan, with additional guidance from Dr. Dennis Malfatti and Dr. Gregory Rike, UE Opera has flourished as a dynamic force in the field of opera, enriching the lives of students and fostering a deep appreciation for the arts within the community. The Schmidt Foundation’s grant will empower the program to continue its legacy of excellence and expand its community reach.

The grant also provides continued support for the Community Conservatory Study Grants, which are designed to give area students who may otherwise lack access to private study the opportunity to benefit from music lessons. This initiative reflects UE’s dedication to creating a vibrant and inclusive cultural environment that supports budding young musicians and makes music education accessible to all. UE Opera previously received $25,000 in grant funding in 2023.

For more information about the UE Opera and upcoming performances or to contact the Music Conservatory, please click here.

Vincennes University hosts “Evening of Exploration: Showcase of Automation”

The Vincennes University Advanced Manufacturing Robotics & Mechatronics Program welcomed prospective students and their families to an inspiring night at the “Evening of Exploration: Showcase of Automation” event at the VU Technology Center. This special event offered attendees a unique opportunity to experience the world of robotics and mechatronics firsthand.

Around 100 people interacted with cutting-edge technologies and learned more about the rapidly evolving field of advanced manufacturing.

The showcase, which took place on Nov. 13, was designed as a recruiting and networking event for prospective Trailblazers and their families, allowing them to immerse themselves in VU’s innovative educational environment.

Advanced Manufacturing Robotics & Mechatronics Program Director Timothy Hedrick said, “Through interactive demonstrations and exploration in our state-of-the-art labs and classrooms, we can show future students and their families what a hands-on, industry-driven education looks like. This showcase also strengthens our connections with industry partners, who offer valuable insights and opportunities for students to bridge directly into impactful and in-demand careers. We’re excited to demonstrate to the community the exciting future of advanced manufacturing, robotics, and mechatronics and VU’s role in preparing the next generation of skilled professionals.”

VU faculty and current students were on hand to introduce guests to various technologies. One of the event’s highlights was a demonstration in which two VU students programmed a collaborative robot (also known as a cobot) to play the classic board game Operation, delighting the guests with the precision and agility of modern robotics. This interactive demonstration showcased not only the technical skills of current students but also the potential applications of robotics in creative scenarios.

Students created and designed all of the demos, including those in the fluid power lab. They showcased different laws of physics and how they apply to real-world applications using pneumatic and hydraulic power.

Throughout the evening, attendees explored the University’s first-class laboratories and classrooms, looking inside the hands-on learning experiences that set VU apart and give VU graduates a competitive advantage in today’s constantly changing professional landscape.

Beyond the lab activities, attendees engaged directly with VU’s industry partners, including representatives from Toyota, Berry, Hershey, Toyota Boshoku Indiana, and Ameriqual, who were present to discuss career paths, internship opportunities, and the increasing demand for skilled professionals in robotics and automation. These industry connections are vital to the VU experience, offering students direct pathways into internships and career opportunities that align with their studies and goals.